The Magic Detective Podcast

Prepare for an extremely informative podcast on Houdini's Library which resides in the Harry Ransom Center in Austin Texas. Also, Dr. Eric Colleary, the curator of the exhibit has a new book out, also called Houdini's Library. Pay close attention, you'll learn a lot. And forgive me for saying Smithsonian, instead of Library of Congress. I was having a senior moment, lol. I know the difference and have been to both!

Magic historian, collector, author, Charles Green is my guest today talking about his book, Exposing Houdini. He shares some things here that you won't find on any other interview, anywhere. Copies of the book are still available at ExposingHoudini.com

Celebrating Houdini's Centennial, I begin with a brief story of Houdini when he was in Salem Mass. And then I introduce George Schwartz, the curator of the new exhibit 'Houdini In Salem' at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.

Join me as we explore the life of Bess Houdini, the one time stage partner to her husband Harry. And later the woman who helped to keep his legacy alive. Her life is mostly glossed over in the biographies, but today you'll learn a few stories, some sad, some charming, and some courageous about this tiny (she was under 5ft) yet dynamic woman! #besshoudini For those wishing to check out my Houdini art and related prints, Temporarily Unavailable ExposingHoudini.com by Charles Green Escaping Obscurity book by John Cox and Dr. Bruce Averbook A Strenuous Career book by Dr. Bruce Averbook and David Haversat

Here is the story of the magical life of Harry Anderson. I dont really delve into the TV Harry Anderson much. Mostly the life story of the magician Harry Anderson, known by the nickname of Harry The Hat, the friendly con-man character! The transcript for the episode contains a bunch of performance videos. Click the link to check those out. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2026/01/harry-hat-anderson-podcast-transcript.html

Comedy Magician Tommy Cooper is our feature this week. A complex man with a crazy history. He seemed to be a bumbling and fumbling magician but there was a method to his madness. Videos of Tommy Cooper are all over Youtube, just type in Tommy Cooper magic in the search box and you'll see many many wonderful videos from his countless TV appearances.

On this episode we explore the life of William Mozart Nicol, known professionally as The Great Nicola. He was the last of the globetrotting magicians. He did 4 world tours, survived earthquakes. fires, World Wars and more. Information on the annual Great Nicola Festival www.wcHistoryMuseum.com

This episode covers the life of Josef Freud, known professionally as Joseffy. He was an eccentric magician and inventor around the turn of the century. His most famous creation was Balsamo the Talking Skull.

A wonderful podcast on Velma Queen of Illusion. She was a NY female magician who had a long career and made quite a splash during her day. You're going to love this episode with clips from Velma herself.

The first part of the life of David Bamberg. This episode explores his early years to teens to just as he is becoming FuManchu. He has such a rich life with so many adventures, we're saving the next part for a later date. Anyone interested in voting for The Magic Detective Podcast as your favorite in the FISM Italy contest, here is the link: https://www.fismitaly2025.com/online-magic-special-awards/

This episode we explore the life of magician Paul Valadon, his connections to Egyptian Hall, and Harry Kellar and more.

For a short 5 year period many years ago, there was a burst of magic on TV every December. It began with Doug Henning Specials and brought us some incredible magic and inspired many kids to get into magic, many who listen to this podcast. Doug on Crystal Gayle Special https://youtu.be/11dIPX5ko_k?si=E0husdfwDgvFYIs L Doug Henning Balloon https://youtu.be/fnRtaUsjkxM?si=9rRLjOeqqw1PwOJ1&t=516

Here is my review of the 2024 Yankee Gathering. In addition, I give a list of potential Christmas gifts you might want to stuff your stockings with this holiday season!

Something special, a recording of one of Dunninger's 1944 Radio Shows. Plus a list of all the magic related programming being featured on Amazon Prime right now! And more...

This episode is a conversation between Dean Carnegie and Judge Gary Brown concerning his latest book, The Inventive Magician's Handbook with Props. This book contains a lot of magic history, specifically the history of magic inventions, it also contains a great deal of theory on how to creative/invent and innovate magic . The book also comes with the a package of tricks, all the major tricks that are taught in the book. Listen and learn about about being an inventive magician! the book is available TheoryAndArtofMagic.com while supplies last.

Once a very popular international traveling illusionist, with a show that had 45 people, horses, an elephant, a camel and more. Then without notice he seemed to have vanished. But he actually went underground...so to speak...listen for more info.

On this episode we explore the life of C.A. George Newmann, the Pioneer Mentalist. He was a performer, hypnotist, mentalist, and magic book collector.

Albert Marchinsky was professionally known as Rameses The Egyptian Mystic, a very popular illusionist/magician in his time. He had an amazing career. Another magic celebrity learns about magic from him! Enjoy this episode of The Magic Detective Podcast.

Dr. Saint is one fascinating character. He gave his first performances at age 9 and continued right up till his death. He was Bess Houdini's Manager and much more. THIS episode is #100. As a bonus, after the closing remarks, the FULL Houdini Seance can be heard. Enjoy! #houdini #seance

This episode explores the early days of Joseph Dunninger. These are his magic days, prior to him becoming the mentalist of renown. This episode is dedicated to Maxine Dunninger Hohneker.